"Virus Support Alert" removal instructions

What is "Virus Support Alert"?

"Virus Support Alert" is a fake virus alert that is displayed in a pop-up window on a deceptive, dubious website. This is simply a scam that cyber criminals use to trick people into believing that their computers are infected and blocked. Most people arrive at this untrustworthy website due to potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) installed on their computers or web browsers. In addition to redirects, PUAs deliver advertisements and collect user-system information.

According to this deceptive website (and its associated pop-up window), the system has detected unusual activity that might harm the computer and data stored on it, and that the activity might be related to tracking of financial information. Furthermore, within the "Virus Support Alert" pop-up window, scammers claim that the user's computer/registration key is blocked. They state that this happened for one of these reasons: the Windows registration key is illegal; there is illegal software installed; the operating system is infected and proliferates viruses over the internet, or; the Windows Operating System is hacked and being used from an undefined location. In any case, scammers claim that they have blocked the computer for security reasons (and users' safety). They urge website visitors not to close the window or restart the computer. Scammers encourage users to contact them by calling the "+1-866-391-4111" number. They claim to be a 'support team' that will help to reactivate the computer/registration key. Websites of this type should never be trusted. Typically, when contacted, scammers attempt to sell software or trick people into paying for online services. They use these scams to extort money from innocent people. None of the statements on this website are accurate and anyone who visits it should simply close it. If this website cannot be closed in the normal way (by closing the opened tab or browser window), use Task Manager to end the browser process. The next time a browser is opened, the previous browsing session should not be restored, since this will reopen the dubious website or another website that caused a redirect to it.

As mentioned above, PUAs that are responsible for redirects to untrustworthy websites, however, they often deliver ads and gather data as well. Unwanted apps of this type serve users with coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups, and so on. These ads can be annoying, since PUAs display them via tools that enable placement of third party content on any site. Therefore, they conceal underlying content of visited websites. Furthermore, if clicked (accidentally or willingly), they usually open dubious (potentially, malicious) websites or run scripts that download and install even more unwanted apps. Another negative aspect of PUAs is information tracking. Usually PUAs collect IP addresses, URLs of visited websites, search queries, geo-locations, and other data relating to browsing activity. It is also possible that these apps will record personal/sensitive details. Developers share the data with third parties (cyber criminals) who misuse it to generate revenue.

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

Most PUAs have similar behavior - they perform actions that allow their developers to generate revenue. Furthermore, they are usually promoted as useful and legitimate, however, they provide none of the functionality promised (tools, features, and so on). Furthermore, the the internet is full of deceptive websites that display scams such as fake virus alerts, fake errors, and so on. Some examples of other scams similar to this one are "ERROR 0X1CXX560", "Windows Is Not Activated", and "Activate Your Windows Now". Most are used by cyber criminals who attempt to extort money from visitors by offering purchase of software or paid services.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Some PUAs can be downloaded from their websites, however, most people do not download and install them intentionally. This usually occurs when developers trick them by using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". This method helps developers to cause inadvertent downloads and installations when users download or install their chosen software. They include (bundle) unwanted apps in set-ups of regular software (software that people download willingly). All information about the inclusion of extra apps is usually hidden in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of the download/installation set-ups. Most people leave these settings unchanged, thereby causing unwanted installations/downloads of various PUAs .

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Always pay attention to all download/installation processes, especially if the software it is free. Check all available "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar options/settings, and look for checkboxes that are ticked by default. Deselect offers to install unwanted software. Download software using direct links and official websites. Avoid using third party software downloaders/installers, since they are usually monetized via the bundling method and go on to install unwanted programs. Do not use unofficial websites or Peer-to-peer networks (torrent clients, eMule, and others). Do not click intrusive ads, especially if they are displayed on dubious websites. These usually seem legitimate, however, they redirect to untrustworthy websites such as adult dating, pornography, gambling, and so on. If a browser causes unwanted redirects or displays various ads, PUAs might be installed on it. Check the list of installed extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins, and remove all unwanted/suspicious apps immediately. Also check the list of programs installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with
Spyhunter for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Text presented in "Virus Support Alert" pop-up:

Virus Support AlertYour System Detected Some Unusual Activity.It might harm your computer data and track your financial activities.Please report this activity to +1-866-391-4111VIRUS ALERT!This computer is BLOCKEDDo not close this window and restart your computerYour computer's registration key is Blocked.Why we blocked your computer?This window's registration key is illegal.This window is using pirated software.This window is sending virus over the Internet.This window is hacked or used from undefined location.We block this computer for your security.Contact helpline to reactivate your computer.Enter Windows registration key to unblock or Call Support at: +1-866-391-4111 (Toll-Free)

Instant automatic removal of Virus Support Alert virus:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Spyhunter is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Virus Support Alert virus. Download it by clicking the button below:▼ DOWNLOAD SpyhunterBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

If you continue to have problems with removal of the "virus support alert" virus, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious add-ons from Microsoft Edge:

Click the three horizontal dots icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions, right click your mouse on these entries and click "Uninstall".

Optional method:

Click the three horizontal dots icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), and select Settings.

In the opened tab, click the "Choose what to clear" button.

Click Show more and select everything, and then click the "Clear" button.

If this didn't help, please follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset Microsoft Edge browser.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter to stay informed about the latest online security threats.

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